17.3.06

Ephesians 4:1-6

I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord,1 urge you to live2 worthily of the calling with which you have been called,3 with all humility and gentleness,4 with patience, bearing with5 one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you too were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. [NET]

1tn Grk “prisoner in the Lord.”

2tn Grk “walk.” The verb “walk” in the NT letters refers to the conduct of one’s life, not to physical walking.

3sn With which you have been called. The calling refers to the Holy Spirit’s prompting that caused them to believe. The author is thus urging his readers to live a life that conforms to their saved status before God.

4tn Or “meekness.” The word is often used in Hellenistic Greek of the merciful execution of justice on behalf of those who have no voice by those who are in a position of authority (Matt 11:29; 21:5).

5tn Or “putting up with”; or “forbearing.”

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